Dampier: No intent to hurt Parker

In Dallas, Mavericks center Erick Dampier on Wednesday said he regrets saying he would “put (Tony Parker) on his back” the first time he drives to the basket in Thursday’s Game 3 of a first-round playoff series. Dampier said he has no intent to hurt anyone.

“It’s just the game of basketball,” Dampier said. “It wasn’t said intentionally to go out and hurt anyone. Fouls happen in the game of basketball. We want to shut down the game and not give him a lot of easy layups.

“I’ve been here for the last five years, and had two flagrant fouls. I’m not trying to go out there and intentionally hurt anyone.”

Parker scored 38 points in the Spurs’ 105-84 victory in Monday’s Game 2, after which Dampier made his “put him on his back” comment that got the attention of league officials.

Dampier said he was contacted by league officials about his comments.

Dampier’s bigger concern for Game 3 is the added scrutiny his comments likely will get him.

I really do miss the days of “enforcing” the paint. A la Charles Oakley, and Bill Laimbeer before him. But, the NBA must protect it’s “product” – and you put a star down like that these days, you’re likely to get tossed or suspended. And to actually SAY you’re going to do…poor Dampier…he unfortunately is not smart enough to to let his play do the talking. The Mavs have far dirtier players than Dampier, though. I wish somebody would put Jason Terry DOWN on the floor. How many cheap shots does THAT guy get away with in a single game? In his defense, I don’t think he’s all that bright either. Well, I guess the smarts come from the top…oh wait, Cuban’s their owner – that explains a lot!